A/N:

Hey guys! Here's chapter 7. I hope you guys like this story so far. I didn't get much feedback on the last chapter I posted, so I hope you all read it. If you haven't read chapter 6, go and read! Here's the next chap, hope you all like it.

BAMF!MERLIN

please let me know what you guys think!

(my previous upload was weird, sorry for that)

••••••••••••

Alex couldn't sleep.

He woke up in the night with an aching pain in his neck. As he was rubbing out the crick in his neck he realized he shouldn't have fallen asleep in a chair, that never ends well for him. There was no room for him on the bed, and no more cots available, so he just sat in his chair for a moment, thinking. The only sounds he could hear was the occasional owl hooting from the outside, and the crackling of the fire in the fireplace. His eyes were drawn to the flames. They were just as bright as they were earlier that night, the result of using magic to ignite it. It was reminding him of what happened that day. He shook his head, not letting his thoughts go back to that dreadful moment again.

As he looked around the room, his gaze soon fell on Merlin. He was sleeping quite soundly with his head on the table. The sight made the prince chuckle.

He thought for a moment, Poor Merlin, he must be so used to sleeping uncomfortably in Camelot. If only he could stay in my kingdom where he'd be treated like a knight and not like a servant.

Maybe when this whole prophecy is fulfilled, he would go live in Arudus with them.

Alex kept shaking his leg, bobbing it up and down. His body was restless and in the mood for adventure. He thought about just letting Merlin sleep and going by himself but, he really wanted to spend some quality time with his friend.

He made up his mind and slowly got up from his chair, careful not to wake the others. He walked over to where Merlin was sleeping, put his hands gently on his shoulders, and began to shake him softly.

"Merlin... Merlin."

It didn't take long to wake him up.

"Mmm?" Was the groggy noise Merlin made as he sat up. His young face was paler than usual and his eyes were really small.

Alex laughed softly at Merlin's sleepy face. He had red lines going down his cheek from using his arm as a pillow.

"What's going on?" Merlin yawned as he rubbed his eyes.

Alex bent down to Merlin's level.

He whispered, "Do you want to go find some bandits and fight? I bet it's been awhile for you."

Merlin was taken aback. Is Alex crazy? "At this time of night?"

Alex shrugged, "yeah why not." He gave Merlin a friendly punch to the shoulder, "live a little."

Merlin rolled his eyes and let out an exhausting sigh. He didn't really want to go, he was tired, but he thought, maybe it would be good for him. When else could he go out without Arthur knowing? "fine," he grumbled in agreement.

Alex beamed with excitement.

"Excellent!" He cheered.

The Prince walked over to the bed Cade was laying on and bent down to his knees. He reached a hand under the bed and seemed to be feeling around for something. "Lord Mason thought it wise to bring your sword for you."

"Really?" Merlin asked, sounding more awake now.

"Yes," he replied while pulling out the sheathed sword from under the bed. "Ah, here it is."

•••••••••

Merlin and Alex made their way through the castle, only crossing a few guards on the way, but the young warlock distracted them with some magic so they were never caught.

Merlin knew he was crazy for agreeing to come out here in search of bandits with Alex, but he couldn't help but be intrigued with the idea. It had been so long since he actually fought with a sword, but also with one of his best friends by his side. He needed the practice if he was going to fight in this upcoming battle with Arudus, magic or not.

Once they made it to the woods, they started walking along the trail. The trees were tall, and it was hard to see between them. To their left the land was more flat, but to their right there was a small hill. Merlin turned to his right to look at Alex. The almost full moon was the only light source in the forest. It was cool that night, not hot, nor cold, but just right.

"What are we going to do Alex?" He whispered, "how are we going to be able to beat your father's army?"

He watched as Alex's brows furrowed in concern, worry etched in his facial features.

"Honestly Merlin, I don't know." he replied as he ran a hand through his blonde locks. "Once I got word that my father knew about you and was planning to raise an army, I came here, to warn you. I hadn't thought that much far ahead."

There was silence for a moment, both men thinking.

Alex continued, "Camelot's Knights are a good match for my kingdom's Knights. The only disadvantage is the fact that Arudus has magic on their side. Well-" he thought for a moment. "Let me rephrase that, the only disadvantage is that you guys cannot USE magic on your side. We definitely have magic." He turned to look at Merlin now, "We have the best source of magic on our side."

Merlin smiled at that.

"But," Alex sighed, "is it enough to take out a whole sorcerer army?"

"Probably not," Merlin muttered.

"Merlin," Alex began, drawing Merlin's attention with a suddenly more serious tone, "you have to try to convince Arthur to let him use magic on our side. Or we aren't going to win. We don't need hidden magic from behind a tree, that's not going to help us win. We need full blown Emrys, Sir Mason, Cade, and any other magic user that can fight. That is how we have a chance at winning."

Merlin was staring hard at the ground with wide eyes, "errrrr umm."

"Please, Merlin," Alex pleaded, his voice sounding desperate, "please."

"Errr f-fine." Merlin agreed. The desperate look in Alex's eyes was enough to make him comply. He was nervous though, and definitely not looking forward to that conversation with Arthur. There were other ways he could present himself as Emrys in the fight where Arthur wouldn't find out who he was, so he was sort of okay with asking Arthur about magic. He reminded himself, that he certainly was not his father.

Merlin looked over at Alex. The prince was biting his lip and seemed to be in deep thought. He could tell something was on his friend's mind.

"What is it?" Merlin asked, nudging Alex with his shoulder, "you can tell me."

It was quiet for quite some time before Alex spoke.

"Something happened yesterday," Alex began nervously.

"Like what?"

"Something with Arthur and me-"

Merlin groaned, "ugh, this can't be good."

"I seemed to have misplaced my... sigil ring in Camelot, and he found it."

Merlin looked over at Alex with a funny look, "really? How is that bad?"

He sighed, "Because that was 5 years ago Merlin." Alex finished.

Realization dawned on Merlin's face. "Oh gods."

"Arthur said my knights and I have to be gone by morning and-"

"No, no, no, no," Merlin shook his head in disbelief, "No!"

"I'm sorry," Alex sympathetically said, "it was your King's orders."

"Then I'll talk to him!" Merlin spoke determinedly, "there's no way Arthur will send you home after what happened with Cade. He is too honorable to make an injured knight from another kingdom go on a rough journey back. It wouldn't look good upon him."

Alex was a little relieved by Merlin's words. It was true, he had heard that King Arthur was extremely honorable. "You might be right about that."

Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of twigs snapping. Alex held out a quick hand to stop Merlin. The prince slowly bent down and placed his hand onto the hilt of his sword. The other finger was placed on his mouth, to let Merlin know to keep quiet. Merlin bent down as well and had his right hand on his sword, ready to unsheathe it to fight at any moment.

The only thing Merlin could hear right now was his own steady breaths. The forest was completely silent.

It was quick, and fast, but Merlin caught the movement.

Someone to his left came out of the trees, sword drawn, and ready to attack.

Merlin quickly stood and unsheathed his sword. He noticed it was a bandit.

The other man let out a battle cry as his sword came down with an overhead strike.

Merlin grunted as he brought his sword up. He parried the attack with an upward move of his sword. Merlin quickly went the opposite direction with his sword into a semi arc, and sliced the man's sword arm.

The bandit screeched in pain, dropping his sword. Merlin took the opportunity to punch him square in the face, knocking the guy out.

Ouch. Merlin turned to look over at Alex when he heard the sounds of metal on metal and grunting from behind him.

Once he looked, he couldn't stop.

He wanted to go and help his friend who was fighting three men at once, but he couldn't. He was rooted to his spot, watching in admiration. Alex didn't seem to need the help.

"Amazing," Merlin uttered in awe.

The prince was good, really good, Arthur good.

He couldn't stop staring.

Alex was graceful, slick, and met every attack with vigor.

The prince took his first opponent down with a quick slice up the abdomen.

Merlin cringed, that must have hurt.

Next, the prince swiftly impaled opponent two, and kicked opponent three so hard in the abdomen that he slammed his head into the tree behind him, knocking him out cold. Merlin watched as Alex ripped his sword out of the bandit's torso.

He hated all these sickening noises of death.

Alex's sword was dripping with blood, and his face was dripping with sweat. His blonde hair was matted down to his forehead and he was panting like a dog.

"Wow," Merlin said out loud, drawing the attention of his comrade, "that was..." Alex smiled, "impressive."

"Well," Alex was flattered, "I've been practicing."

Merlin laughed, "I can tell," he was still breathing hard as well.

Merlin wasn't prepared for what happened next. When he saw about 30 figures on top of the small hill that was above the side of the path they were on, he knew they were in trouble.

Alex saw Merlin's face fall.

"What? What is-" But when Alex turned around, his words were lost. The sight made his stomach sink. No way they could take 30 bandits down, no way in hell.

Alex swallowed the lump in his throat, there was only one thing they could do right now. "Run," he muttered to Merlin, "run!" He yelled when Merlin was still standing.

Alex ran and pulled a stunned Merlin along with him. They ran through the opposite side of the forest, as fast as they could, trying to get away from the many screaming bandits behind them.

"Don't look back!" Alex warned, "just run and don't stop!"

They both were getting scratched up by all the branches that were smacking them in the face as they ran. Even when Merlin tripped over a big log and scraped his leg, he didn't stop.

"Use your magic!" Alex piped up.

"I'm not, ow! Risking it, ow!" Merlin cried, "just keep running! I've got a plan!"

Merlin knew what they were running towards. They were running towards a cliff, a cliff that was so deep down, that if you fell... you were definitely a dead man.

Merlin knew that once they got to that cliff, the bandits would catch up to them, corner them. Merlin didn't want to use his magic on them, and didn't want to risk them reporting what they saw to King Arthur for money. But if it came down to it, if he really had to use his magic, he would.

His legs were getting tired, the adrenaline that was keeping him going was starting to die out. It had been awhile since he ran so much.

He decided they were close enough to the cliff to call.

Merlin's voice roared into the night, sending shivers down Alex's spine as he ran, "O drakon, e male so ftengometta tesd 'hup' anankes!"

Now, all he had to do was pray that Kilgharrah would come.

"What, ow!" Alex screeched when a branch hit him in the face, causing a big cut on his cheek. "What was that!"

"I'm surprised t-that you don't remember!" Merlin yelled back.

As the trees started to get thinner and more scarce, it was easier to see the cliff in the distance.

He could sense that Kilgharrah was near, but knew they couldn't just stop at the cliff and wait for the dragon to save them. If they did that, the bandits would catch them. He wasn't even sure if he could push back 30 men at once with his magic. He didn't wanna risk it if he was wrong.

"Uhhh, Merlin!" Alex worriedly cried.

"What!" Merlin yelled back.

"There's a cliff!"

"I- know!" Merlin replied, trying to talk and run at the same time. He was so tired though, so it was hard to get words out sometimes. "Do-do you trust me?"

He could hear the footsteps getting louder behind them, which meant the bandits were catching up.

"Of course," Alex replied, "always!"

"Good," the heart warming response made Merlin run a little faster, "then don't slow down, ow!" A branch hit his leg. "And when I say jump, jump!"

"Jump?!" Alex was in shock, "are you crazy?"

"Maybe a little!" Merlin chided playfully. Even though this wasn't a good time to be witty.

The cliff was nearing, and soon they'd have to jump.

"Take my hand!" Merlin commanded as he held it out for the prince to grab.

Alex did as he was told with no questions asked.

Their fingers interlocked, and they both gained speed right before the jump. They were so close.

But of course, something had to go wrong.

Merlin cried in pain when he felt something sharp embed itself in the back of his thigh. He let go of Alex's hand and fell to the ground.

"Merlin!" Alex screamed in panic.

Merlin, still laying on the ground, yelled for Alex to go on without him. "Run! Hurry! Go! And jump!"

Alex looked at the dagger that was stuck in Merlin's leg, and then looked up with worry at the bandits that were catching up.

"Trust me." Merlin pleaded.

Alex looked at him, and something in Merlin's eyes made him go. The Prince turned around and ran the few extra feet, and then took a big leap off of the cliff.

He listened to Alex's screams slowly fade.

Get him

Merlin voiced to Kilgharrah when he felt him near. Soon after, he watched as Kilgharrah's big, golden figure dove down the cliff after his friend, obeying his command. Merlin was happy to know that Alex would be safe.

Merlin was angry. Tired, but still angry. He grit his teeth and pulled himself up. His leg hurt, but he didn't really mind. He watched as the bandits caught up to him. They circled around him, weapons drawn. Swords, daggers, a crossbow, just an assortment of different weapons.

Merlin grabbed the hilt of the dagger that was stuck in his thigh and ripped it out, keeping his gaze on the bandits.

He raised up the bloody dagger in front of his face and gave it a good flip in his hands, feeling the weight of it, practicing his hold on it.

He started to laugh hysterically. It was a really creepy laugh, and it made the bandits fidget uncomfortably.

"I'm gonna be nice," Merlin began, a sly smile on his face, "but, I'm only going to give you guys one chance." The bandits looked confused, "if any of you wish to live, I suggest you leave now, or I promise you, you surely won't."

There was a silence, but then he heard the clatter of a sword and the footsteps of someone in the back scurrying off.

Merlin nodded, "very well then," then he chuckled, "I bet some of you are thinking he is being a coward, but..." Merlin then began to crack his knuckles and loosen out his shoulders, "he is actually quite smart."

Merlin stood up proud, closed his eyes, and let all the magic surge through his veins. He felt it start in his heart, then it began to move out from there. From the bandits eyes, they could see a bright gold begin to spread out from his chest, and move through his veins. The gold moved up the veins in his neck, and once it reached his eyes, they flew open, and his pupils burned a bright gold.

Power.

That was all Merlin could feel. He felt like he could do anything, he felt like he could bring down a castle, felt like he could take down an army. Now, looking at these 29 bandits, it seemed like a piece of cake.

"Let's do this," He spoke to himself.

This was his chance to find out his Magic's true potential.

One of the bandits threw a dagger straight towards Merlin's face. Merlin didn't even wince, didn't move a muscle, not a finger, spoke no words. The dagger stopped midair, an inch from his face. With only his mind, Merlin turned the dagger around and flew it back so fast towards the man he could only assume was the bandit who hit him in his leg earlier.

"Ooagh," was the noise the bandit emitted as the dagger embedded itself into his chest. His hands reached up to grab the hilt. Blood trickled out from his mouth, and his eyes were wide as he fell to his knees. His hands fell to his sides as his body went forward, hitting the ground with a thump.

That seemed to make the other bandits angry, if their furrowed brows, gritted teeth, and nose flares were anything to go by.

One of the bandits yelled out a battle cry as he charged with his sword towards Merlin. The young warlock held out his left hand to meet the tip of the blade, and as the blade was pushed into his skin, from top to end, it crumbled into a heap of broken metal. The bandit stared in shock at the hilt of his sword that no longer had a blade. With a flick of the warlock's wrist, he sent the bandit flying into a tree.

From the corner of his eye, he saw two bandits trying to flee. They had their chance, Merlin thought. With a quick tilt of Merlin's head, there was a crack and two loud screams. The men fell to the ground and cried out in pain. He had broken their legs with just his mind.

Merlin bent down, eyes still on the rest of the bandits, and picked up his sword. He gave it a little spin for fun, and was looking forward to testing out what sword fighting could be like with enhanced magical capabilities.

Merlin let out a battle cry and charged towards the closest bandit with his sword. He lifted it up and swung, meeting his opponent's sword in the middle. Merlin's magic made him so strong that his blade broke the bandits blade in half. The other guy stared at the broken sword in bewilderment. Merlin took advantage of the distracted moment and kicked the man hard in his chest, sending him flying back several feet. Someone immediately came up behind him, but Merlin was ready. His senses were heightened, he was faster, stronger, and more dangerous. He swung around with his sword and sliced the man's sword arm. Someone new came up behind him from the other side, but this time when Merlin turned around he sliced down, cutting the man's thigh.

Everything was moving so fast.

Sword after sword came, bandit after bandit came at him, and he continued to deflect all the blows. Parry there, slash there, turn then swing, a kick there, a slice, and a punch. Again and again, he fought and fought person after another. When he suddenly heard the sound of a crossbow releasing an arrow, he turned around quickly and caught the arrow by the shaft with his hand. He squeezed it, breaking it in half.

To finish them all, Merlin decided to really test his magic. He let his magic course his veins, and brought it to his fingertips. He picked up his sword, blade facing down, and let out a yell before plowing his sword into the ground. His magic dispersed out, and everything that was around him flew away.

After that, it became quiet. Merlin was breathing hard and fast. The only thing he could hear was his own breath. Sweat was dripping off his head, and blood stained his clothes and hands red. He used his sword to help himself up. His legs were wobbly, and his arms were twitching. He had never felt that kind of power before, he never let his magic consume him like that. When he looked up, he saw bandits scattered everywhere around him. He hoped there weren't too many casualties. Trees were down around him as well from the burst of magic. It seemed to really knock over everything near him.

Merlin heard the familiar sound of wings flapping through the air. He didn't bother turning around when he heard Kilgharrah land.

"I see, young warlock, that you have almost reached your full potential." The dragon boomed.

Merlin was baffled.

"Almost?" He turned around to finally face the dragon. "If that was almost then I would hate to see what my full potential would be!"

The dragon tilted his head in confusion.

"Merlin, why are you distressed?"

"Because!" he threw his hands in the air, "I am destructive! I am dangerous!"

"No!" Alex yelled as he climbed his way down the dragons scales. "You-" He began to walk to Merlin, "are magnificent. You are special, you are strong, you are skilled, you are everything good in this world and don't you forget it."

Merlin was flattered, but he had his doubts.

"But - this power, it's too much for me, I can't handle it."

Alex shook his head, "no, you're wrong." He put a hand on Merlin's shoulder and leaned in to look him better in the eyes. "You wouldn't have been born with this gift if you couldn't handle it. There's a reason why you are Emrys. It's because you are strong and worthy enough to wield the power."

Kilgharrah agreed. "He is right, young warlock. You were given this gift for a reason."

Merlin sighed, "I guess you guys are right."

Alex gave Merlin's shoulder a reassuring squeeze, "we are."

Their moment was interrupted when Kilgharrah boomed, "I must go." He suddenly took off, causing Merlin to look up after him as he flew away. The wind from the wings of the great dragon was so intense that it caused the sweat on Merlin's body to fully dry.

Young Warlock, Kilgharrah voiced to Merlin,

Do not forget where your loyalty lies.